How does FERS retirement work for law enforcement and firefighters?

By the OnPAR Federal Retirement Education editorial team · Last updated October 27, 2026

Covered law enforcement officers, firefighters and air traffic controllers can retire at 50 with 20 years, or at any age with 25 years. Their pension is 1.7% of high-3 for the first 20 years plus 1% for each year after.

Run the numbers → open the calculator

Sources

• OPM: FERS Computation
• OPM: FERS Eligibility